Pillow apparatus

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention relate to a pillow apparatus that can be turned inside out to expose the internal filler material. Typically, the pillow apparatus in configured for thorough cleaning via a conventional home washing machine and dryer. In some embodiments, the cushion apparatus comprises an outer shell and a filter barrier connected to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosed compartment. The pillow apparatus further comprises a filler material contained within the at least one enclosed compartment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/157,938, filed May 6, 2015, entitled “Pillow Apparatus,” the contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to support devices and, more specifically,an anti-allergy, pillow apparatus that can be turned inside out toexpose the internal filler material for a thorough cleaning via aconventional home washing machine and dryer.

BACKGROUND

A pillow is generally useful for the purpose of rendering comfort orsupport to a user. Conventional pillows are manufactured using“pillow-filler material” such as high resilient (“RR”) urethane foamformed by means of conventional molding processes providing the desireddensity and stability to the foam. However, these pillows retain, dust,bacteria and other contaminants since it is not possible to clean them.

Conventional solutions focus on keeping allergens out of the pillow byhaving the external shell or casing of the pillow made from a verytightly woven barrier, or a polymer coated barrier, to prevent moldspores, pollen, dust mites and other contaminants from entering theinterior of the pillow. However, this shell or casing does not protectthe pillow from contaminants that could penetrate the shell or casinglike sweat, viruses or bacteria and then internally contaminate thepillow. Thus, there is a need for a pillow apparatus with anti-allergicproperties that can be washed and cleaned.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a pillow apparatus,comprising: an outer shell; a filter barrier connected to the outershell so as to form at least one enclosed compartment; and a fillermaterial contained within the at least one enclosed compartment.Typically, the outer shell comprises at least one opening, the at leastone opening being configured to be in a first position and a secondposition. In the first position the at least one opening is closed andthe filter barrier and filler material are entirely contained within theouter shell. In the second position the at least one opening is opensuch that the filter barrier is exposed and the filled material iscontained within the filter barrier.

In some embodiments, in the second position the at least one opening isopen such that the outer shell may be turned inside out so that thefilter barrier is exposed.

In some embodiments or in combination with the previous embodiment, thesecond position is an inside-out position such that the outer shell andfiller material are entirely contained within the filter barrier.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previousembodiments, the opening is positioned along a first adjacent lateralside of the outer shell.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previousembodiments, wherein the opening is positioned along two or moreadjacent lateral sides of the outer shell.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previousembodiments, the outer shell is constructed out of synthetic fabrics,natural fabrics, allergy barrier materials, tightly woven barriers,and/or coated barriers.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previousembodiments, the filler material is configured to provide resiliency andsupport to the pillow apparatus, wherein the filler material comprisesfiber or poly beads, polyfiber, reticulated foam, hollow petrochemicalbeads, and/or expanded polystyrene beads.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previousembodiments, the filler material comprises one or more apertures havinga predetermined hole size, wherein the hole size of the one or moreapertures is configured to be small enough to contain the fillermaterial and large enough to allow contaminants to pass on washing.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previousembodiments, the filter barrier comprises a mesh.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previousembodiments, the at least one opening is configured to be opened andclosed using zippers hooks, loop fasteners, and/or snaps.

Other embodiments of the invention may be directed to a method ofmanufacturing the pillow apparatus of the previous embodiments by:providing an outer shell comprising at least one opening; providing afilter barrier and a filler material; placing the filler materialproximate an inner surface of the outer shell; connecting the filterbarrier to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosedcompartment such that the filler material is contained within the atleast one enclosed compartment; wherein the at least one opening isconfigured to be in a first position and a second position, wherein inthe first position the at least one opening is closed and the filterbarrier and filler material are entirely contained within the outershell, and wherein in the second position the at least one opening isopen such that the filter barrier is exposed and the filled material iscontained within the filter barrier.

Yet other embodiments of the invention may be directed to a method ofwashing the pillow apparatus of the previous embodiments by: opening theat least one opening to render the outer shell into the second position,wherein in the second position the at least one opening is open suchthat the filter barrier is exposed and the filled material is containedwithin the filter barrier; turning the pillow apparatus inside out, viathe at least one opening in the second position, such that the outershell and filler material are entirely contained within the filterbarrier; and washing the pillow apparatus.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or moreembodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims. The following description andthe annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative featuresof the one or more embodiments. These features are indicative, however,of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of variousembodiments may be employed, and this description is intended to includeall such embodiments and their equivalents.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may beachieved independently in various embodiments of the present inventionor may be combined with yet other embodiments, further details of whichcan be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages and features of the invention, andthe manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more readilyapparent upon consideration of the following detail description of theinvention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, whichillustrate preferred and exemplary embodiments and which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

FIG. 1a is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, that hasbeen turned inside out, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1c is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, with thezipper open, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2a is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2b is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, that hasbeen turned inside out, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2c is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, with thezipper open, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3a is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3b is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, that hasbeen turned inside out, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3a ;and

FIG. 3c is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, with thezipper open, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may be embodiedin many different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIGS. 1a-1c illustrate a pillow apparatus 100, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. The pillow apparatus 100 includes an outershell 110, filler material 120 and filter barrier 130. The configurationof these components is described below in detail. The pillow apparatus100 can comprise more or fewer components as required for variousembodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1 a, the outer shell 110 of the pillow apparatus 100comprises a first surface 111 and a second surface 112. The firstsurface 111 may be a flat surface or a three-dimensional contouredsurface and the first surface 111 may be shaped like a rectangle, apolygon or any other suitable curvilinear shape with sharp or curvedcorners. The second surface 112 may be shaped like a rectangle, apolygon or any suitable curvilinear shape. The second surface 112 can bea flat surface or a three-dimensional contoured surface. The pillowapparatus 100 comprises a first lateral side 113, a second lateral side114, a third lateral side 115 and a fourth lateral side 116, each ofwhich extends between and separates the first surface 111 and the secondsurface 112. The thickness of the pillow apparatus is defined as thedistance between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112,measured on a plane perpendicular to both the first surface 111 and thesecond surface 112. The thickness of the pillow apparatus can either beconstant or variable. Each of the first lateral side 113, second lateralside 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116 has an edgeat the first surface 111: first edge 113 a, second edge 114 a, thirdedge 115 a, and second edge 116 a. Each of the first edge 113 a, secondedge 114 a, third edge 115 a, and second edge 116 a of the first lateralside 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourthlateral side 116, respectively, adjacent the first surface 111 can bedefined by a sharp corner, a bevel, a chamfer, a fillet or any othersuitable contour between the first surface 111 and the respective firstlateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 andfourth lateral side 116.

Each of the first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, thirdlateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116 has an edge at the secondsurface 112: first edge 113 b, second edge 114 b, third edge 115 b, andsecond edge 116 b. Each of the first edge 113 b, second edge 114 b,third edge 115 b, and second edge 116 b of the first lateral side 113,second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side116, respectively, adjacent the second surface 112 can be defined by asharp corner, a bevel, a chamfer, a fillet or any other suitable contourbetween the second surface 112 and the respective first lateral side113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateralside 116.

The outer shell 110 has an external surface and an internal surface onthe opposite side. The external surface comprises the first surface 111,second surface 112, first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114,third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116. The internal surfacecomprises inner surfaces of the first surface 111, second surface 112,first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115and fourth lateral side 116. The outer shell 110 preferably covers thefiller material 120, wherein the filler material 120 is in contact withthe internal surface of the outer shell 110 at one or multiple points.

The outer shell 110 can be constructed using a variety of materials,including synthetic and natural fabrics and natural/synthetic blends.The outer shell 110 is preferably made from allergy barrier materialscomprising, but not limited to, tightly woven barriers, coated barriersto prevent mold spores, pollen, dust mites, and other contaminants fromentering through the outer shell 100. The gauge measurement of the outershell 110 (i.e., the number of needles per inch or per 1½ inches in aknitting machine) is preferably large enough to ensure a finer knit.

The filler material 120 provides resiliency and support to the pillowapparatus 100. In other words, the filler material 120 allows the pillowapparatus 100 to conform to the user's shape and is resilient enough toregain its original shape. The filler material 120 can have a shapesimilar to or different from that of the outer shell 110 and can havesimilar or different dimensions. In one embodiment, the filler material120 has a first surface, a second surface, first lateral side, a secondlateral side, a third lateral side and a fourth lateral side (not shown)parallel to the first surface 111, second surface 112, first lateralside 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourthlateral side 116 of the outer shell 110. In some embodiments, as notedabove, the filler material 120 may be shaped differently than the outershell 110. The filler material 120 can be fabricated as a single part ormultiple parts. In some embodiments the filter material 120 comprisestwo or more parts. In some embodiments, the filler material 120 can bemade from one or more materials, including in some embodiments a loosematerial such as fiber or poly beads. In some embodiments, the fillermaterial 120 may comprise polyfiber, reticulated foam, hollowpetrochemical beads, expanded polystyrene beads or any other materialsthat collectively allow the filler material 120 to have the resilient,conforming and supporting properties even after extended use andrepeated washing and drying.

The filter barrier 130 may be connected to the outer shell 110 so as toform at least one enclosed compartment. For example, one or more edgesof lateral sides of the filter barrier 130 may be attached to proximateedges/proximate inner surface of the outer shell 110, to defining avolume between the filter barrier 130 and the inner surface of the outershell 110 for receiving the filler material 120. Typically, the filterbarrier 130 together with the outer shell 110 contains the fillermaterial 120 in the at least one enclosed compartments. The filterbarrier 130 can be fabricated as a single part or multiple parts. Thefilter barrier 130 can be made from one or more materials. The filterbarrier 130 can be a knit or woven, or non-woven textile material with apredetermined permeability to allow the larger dust mites or invaders aslarge as bed bugs to wash clear. The permeability of this material willalso aid in drying the filler material 120 and the pillow apparatus 100from the inside out. The pillow apparatus 100 can be dried in a clothesdryer, can be air dried, can be dried by shaking the pillow apparatusvigorously or can be dried by any other means. The filter barrier maycomprise one or more apertures/holes or a plurality of apertures/holes,each having a predetermined aperture/hole size. The predetermined holesize of the apertures of the filter barrier 130 is configured to besmall enough to hold and contain the filler material 120 and largeenough to allow the contaminants to pass on washing. In someembodiments, the hole size of the apertures of the filter barrier 130 issmaller than sizes of apertures of the outer shell 110. In someembodiments the hole size is greater than 20 microns to allow small dustmites to wash out. In some embodiments the holes on the filter barrier130 have a fixed, repetitive pattern. In some embodiments the holes areplaced in a random fashion on the filter barrier 130. The frequency andthe percentage hole area of the holes on the filter barrier 130 isconfigured such that it allows the contaminants to flow out freely alongwith the washing liquid, while maintaining the strength and structuralintegrity of the filter barrier 130. In some embodiments the hole sizeis sufficiently small to retain the filler material over repeated washand dry cycles.

In some embodiments the filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130are made of materials that have a predetermined high permeability andpredetermined high wickability. As used herein, wickability of thefiller material and the filter barrier means the ability of the fillermaterial and the filter barrier to disperse moisture and allow it topass through to the surface of the fabric, so that evaporation can takeplace. In some embodiments the filler material 120 and the filterbarrier 130 comprise performance fabrics to provide functional qualitieslike moisture management, UV protection, anti-microbial,thermoregulation and wind and water resistance. In some embodiments thefilter barrier 130 comprises a mesh. As used herein, a “mesh” is a typeof fabric characterized by its net-like open appearance, and the spacesbetween the yarns. Mesh is available in a variety of constructionsincluding wovens, knits, laces, or crocheted fabrics. In someembodiments the filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130 comprisea bacteriostat, fungal stat or antimicrobial material. As used herein, abacteriostat means a material that kills the bacteria, slows growth orholding the death to growth rates of bacteria more or less inequilibrium, and/or inhibits bacteria growth. As used herein, a fungalstat means a material that kills the fungus, slows growth or holding thedeath to growth rates of fungus more or less in equilibrium, and/orinhibits fungus growth.

The outer shell 110, filler material 120 and/or the filter barrier 130can be constructed from a hydrophobic material. This hydrophobicproperty can be achieved throughout the material or only on part of thematerial or a region of the material. In some embodiments thehydrophobic property can be achieved on the exposed surfaces by sprayinghydrophobic coatings, by adsorption, by absorption or by other means.The hydrophobic property may be achieved by particle deposition, vapordeposition, plasma treatments, by sol-gel techniques or by any othersuitable means. The coatings can be polymer coatings or any othernon-toxic substances. The coatings may comprise non-polar substances.The coatings can be silicones and fluorocarbons. In some embodiments thehydrophobic coatings have anti-allergic properties, anti-microbialagents to protect against bacteria, fungi and viruses and othermicroorganisms. The coatings may be a nano-particle coating. Thehydrophobic property means that the contact angle of a fluid dropletresting on the surface of the coated/treated surface is greater than 90degrees. The coatings may be ultra-hydrophobic or super-hydrophobicsubstances; in this case the contact angle is preferably greater than150 degrees. The super-hydrophobic coatings can comprise manganese oxidepolystyrene, zinc oxide polystyrene, precipitated calcium carbonate,carbon nano-tube structures, silica nano-tube coating or any othersuitable substance. The coatings may have a self-cleaning property thatmay be achieved by using low surface energy coatings, for exampleself-assembled monolayers (SAM) coatings. It is understood that thematerials and coatings described above can be used to construct theouter shell 110, filler material 120 and/or the filter barrier 130instead of coating such component in whole or in part, whereverapplicable or utilized in any other method to impart the desiredproperties to the pillow apparatus 100.

In some embodiments the coatings can have lipophobic and oleophobicproperties. The coatings can comprise fluropolymer based solids likeperfluropolyether. The filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130may be constructed with plastic. The outer shell 110, filler material120 and/or the filter barrier 130 may have antimicrobial properties.They can comprise of polymeric biocides or any other material with theability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi,viruses or protozoans. The antimicrobial properties may be achieved byusing coatings. The coatings can comprise metallic ions that inhibitmicroorganism growth like silver ions, copper ions etc. The outer shell110, filler material 120 and/or the filter barrier 130 can comprise odorrepulsion properties. In some embodiments, the filler material 120 andthe filter barrier 130 may comprise triclosan, chitosan, cyclodextrin,metallic salts, nano-sized metals, metal oxides like silver, titanium,zinc, copper oxides and the like.

The outer shell 110 comprises at least one opening 140. In oneembodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1a -1 c, the opening 140 ispositioned at the first edge 113 a of the first later side 113. Theopening 140 may run throughout the length of the first edge 113 a or aportion of the length of first edge 113 a. The opening may also bepositioned at the second edge 114 a, third edge 115 a, or second edge116 a of the second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 or fourthlateral side 116, respectively, or at the first edge 113 b, second edge114 b, third edge 115 b, or second edge 116 b of the first lateral side113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateralside 116, respectively. In some embodiments there are multiple openings140 on the outer shell 110 positioned at the first edge 113 a, secondedge 114 a, third edge 115 a, and/or second edge 116 a of the firstlateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 andfourth lateral side 116, respectively, or at the first edge 113 b,second edge 114 b, third edge 115 b, and/or second edge 116 b of thefirst lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115and fourth lateral side 116, respectively. The opening 140 may bestraight, curved or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, theopenings 140 separate the pillow apparatus 100 into multiple distinctsections or compartments each with filler materials 120. The opening 140can be opened and closed using zippers hooks, loop fasteners, snaps orother suitable means. FIG. 1a illustrates the opening 140 with a zipperin a closed position. FIG. 1c illustrates the zipper opened, exposingthe filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130.

In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIGS. 1a -1 c, thepillow apparatus 100 can be turned inside out to expose the fillermaterial 120 and the filter barrier 130 as illustrated in FIG. 1 b. Thepillow apparatus 100 can be turned inside out by pulling the zipper torender the opening 140 in an open position as illustrated in FIG. 1 c.Next, a slight force is applied on the third lateral side 115 (or anylateral side opposite the opening) towards the opening 140 to push thethird lateral side 115 through the opening 140. This causes the pillowapparatus 100 to be turned inside out. The inside out pillow apparatus100 as illustrated in FIG. 1b can cleaned from inside out. In the firstposition illustrated in FIG. 1 a, the at least one opening is closed andthe filter barrier 130 and filler material 120 are entirely containedwithin the outer shell. Here, the outer shell 110 is substantiallyexposed. In the second, inside-out position illustrated in FIG. 1 b, thefiller material 120 and the outer shell 110 are entirely containedwithin the filter barrier 130, while the filter barrier 130 issubstantially exposed.

In some embodiments the opening or opening(s) 140 exists on two adjacentedges, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2a -2 c. Here, thepillow apparatus comprises a first portion of the filter barrier 130 andthe first surface 111 defining a first enclosed compartment betweenthem. Furthermore, the pillow apparatus comprises a second portion ofthe filter barrier 130 and the second surface 112 of the outer shell110, defining a second enclosed compartment between them. According tothis embodiment, the pillow apparatus 100 can be turned inside out bypulling the zipper to render the opening or openings 140 in an openposition as illustrated in FIG. 2c . Next, a slight force is applied onthe third lateral side 115 (or any lateral side opposite the opening)towards the opening 140 to push the third lateral side 115 through theopening 140. This causes the pillow apparatus 100 to be turned insideout to reveal two compartments containing filler materials 120, bothhaving a filter barrier 130. The inside out pillow apparatus 100 asillustrated in FIG. 2b can cleaned from inside out.

In some embodiments, the opening or opening(s) 140 exists on a firstedge and two adjacent edges also, as in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3a -3 c. In this embodiment, when the opening or opening(s) areopened, the pillow apparatus 100 can be opened like a book, asillustrated in FIG. 3c to reveal two compartments containing fillermaterials 120, both having a filter barrier 130. The inside out pillowapparatus 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3b can cleaned from inside out.This embodiment is advantageous in that it is easier to balance in awashing machine during the spin cycle as weight is less concentrated andis distributed over twice the area.

In some embodiments (not shown), the opening or opening(s) 140 exists oneach edge around the entire perimeter of the outer shell 110 such thatthe pillow apparatus 100 can be separated into two sections to wash andcan then be reassembled after drying.

The pillow apparatus can be washed and cleaned by hand, via aconventional home washing machine or any other suitable means. Thefilter barrier 130 serves to contain the filler material 120, whileallowing water and other cleaning fluids to enter freely and removecontaminants through this filter barrier 130, thereby effectively aidingthe cleaning and the drying process. The filter barrier 130 is a filterin the context that it retains the filler materials and allows thecontaminants and cleaning fluids to freely pass through. Thisconstruction of the filter barrier 130, the filler material 120 and theinside out configuration of the pillow apparatus 100 allows the pillowapparatus 100 to be cleaned and dried quickly and efficiently. A sidebenefit of this method of cleaning is that the pillow apparatus 100 willregain its original loft or form after extended use by easily washingand drying.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Inaddition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular formherein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa. Asused herein, “at least one” shall mean “one or more” and these phrasesare intended to be interchangeable. Accordingly, the terms “a” and/or“an” shall mean “at least one” or “one or more,” even though the phrase“one or more” or “at least one” is also used herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pillow apparatus, comprising: an outer shell; afilter barrier connected to the outer shell so as to form at least oneenclosed compartment; a filler material contained within the at leastone enclosed compartment; and wherein the outer shell comprises at leastone opening, the at least one opening configured to be in a firstposition and a second position, wherein in the first position the atleast one opening is closed and the filter barrier and filler materialare entirely contained within the outer shell, and wherein in the secondposition the at least one opening is open such that the filter barrieris exposed and the filled material is contained within the filterbarrier.
 2. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in thesecond position the at least one opening is open such that the outershell may be turned inside out so that the filter barrier is exposed. 3.A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second position isan inside-out position such that the outer shell and filler material areentirely contained within the filter barrier.
 4. A pillow apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the opening is positioned along a firstadjacent lateral side of the outer shell.
 5. A pillow apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the opening is positioned along two ormore adjacent lateral sides of the outer shell.
 6. A pillow apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the outer shell is constructed out ofsynthetic fabrics, natural fabrics, allergy barrier materials, tightlywoven barriers, and/or coated barriers.
 7. A pillow apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the filler material is configured to provideresiliency and support to the pillow apparatus, wherein the fillermaterial comprises fiber or poly beads, polyfiber, reticulated foam,hollow petrochemical beads, and/or expanded polystyrene beads.
 8. Apillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filler materialcomprises one or more apertures having a predetermined hole size,wherein the hole size of the one or more apertures is configured to besmall enough to contain the filler material and large enough to allowcontaminants to pass on washing.
 9. A pillow apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the filter barrier comprises a mesh.
 10. A pillowapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one opening isconfigured to be opened and closed using zippers hooks, loop fasteners,and/or snaps.
 11. A method of manufacturing a pillow apparatus,comprising: providing an outer shell comprising at least one opening;providing a filter barrier and a filler material; placing the fillermaterial proximate an inner surface of the outer shell; connecting thefilter barrier to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosedcompartment such that the filler material is contained within the atleast one enclosed compartment; and wherein the at least one opening isconfigured to be in a first position and a second position, wherein inthe first position the at least one opening is closed and the filterbarrier and filler material are entirely contained within the outershell, and wherein in the second position the at least one opening isopen such that the filter barrier is exposed and the filled material iscontained within the filter barrier.